UAE utility Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) has launched the Request for Qualifications (RfQ) for the development of a 1.5 GW solar project in Abu Dhabi.

To be located in the Ajban area of the emirate, the large-scale project is expected to generate electricity for around 160,000 homes per year and support UAE's sustainability and energy diversification strategy with its net-zero target by year 2050.

In May 2022, EWEC announced an Expression of Interest (EOI) to probe the interest in the project and the acquisition of an up to 40 percent ownership stake as part of a tender. The state-owned utility will keep a 60 percent interest in the scheme.

The winner in the auction will be tasked with the financing, construction, operation, maintenance and ownership of the project.

The selected developer will also sign a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with EWEC which will offtake the power from the park.